Can you clean a moldy dishwasher with bleach?

• <div><p>Your first instinct might be to grab the bleach to clean a moldy dishwasher, but it’s not the best product for the job. You don’t want to use bleach to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-clean-stainless-steel.htm">clean stainless steel</a> components if your dishwasher has them, as it can cause significant damage. In addition, the scent of bleach can linger if not rinsed well, causing your dishes to retain a smell (and even taste) of bleach.</p></div>

What are the signs of a dishwasher going out?

• <div><p>Some signs that your dishwasher is going out include:</p><ul><li><p>The door no longer latches </p></li><li><p>Dishes are still dirty after a cycle </p></li><li><p>Dishes are cold after a cycle </p></li><li><p>Rust inside or outside the unit </p></li><li><p>Cracks inside the dishwasher tub</p></li><li><p>Water collecting at the bottom or outside the unit</p></li></ul><p>If your dishwasher is not energy-efficient or is older than 10 years, you should also consider replacing it. Repairing an older model may be more expensive than replacing it with something newer and more energy- or water-efficient.</p></div>

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*The Angi rating for Dishwasher Installation companies in Palmyra, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Dishwasher Installation needs.

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Last update on January 04, 2026

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Dishwasher Installation questions, answered by experts

Repair costs vary by issue, typically from $100 to $500, depending on the parts needed and labor involved.

The most common reason for a smelly dishwasher is a dirty dishwasher filter. The filter is responsible for catching food while your machine is running to prevent clogs. Over time, that filter gets more and more filled with food particles. Cleaning your dishwasher filter monthly can keep the smell at bay.

Your first instinct might be to grab the bleach to clean a moldy dishwasher, but it’s not the best product for the job. You don’t want to use bleach to clean stainless steel components if your dishwasher has them, as it can cause significant damage. In addition, the scent of bleach can linger if not rinsed well, causing your dishes to retain a smell (and even taste) of bleach.

Some signs that your dishwasher is going out include:

The door no longer latches
Dishes are still dirty after a cycle
Dishes are cold after a cycle
Rust inside or outside the unit
Cracks inside the dishwasher tub
Water collecting at the bottom or outside the unit

If your dishwasher is not energy-efficient or is older than 10 years, you should also consider replacing it. Repairing an older model may be more expensive than replacing it with something newer and more energy- or water-efficient.

Only if the dishwasher isn’t made of stainless steel. The corrosive chemicals in bleach will stain stainless steel and can also cause further damage. To stay on the safe side, stick with an extra cycle of vinegar to banish any lingering odors.

The Palmyra, VA homeowners’ guide to dishwasher installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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